Navy Yard

Democratic Debate at Brooklyn Navy Yard will be closed to public

April 11, 2016 By Scott Enman Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, left, and, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., argue during the March 6 Democratic presidential primary debate at the University of Michigan-Flint. AP Photo/Carlos Osorio
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Attaining access to the Democratic presidential primary debate on Thursday between Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Duggal Greenhouse has proven to be a difficult task. 

Brooklynites may have better luck snagging Islanders’ playoff tickets than attending the Brooklyn brawl after a CNN spokesperson confirmed with the Brooklyn Eagle in an email on Monday that tickets for the debate will not be available to the general public.

Vice President of Duggal Global Events Group Mary Lovci also told the Eagle on Monday that the event will not be open to the public.

Lovci told the Eagle that those who want to attend the event will need to obtain tickets issued by CNN.

While it is still unclear whether or not the debate is closed to the public due to security reasons, Lovci told the Eagle that the location of the Duggal Greenhouse does provide for good security.

“It’s certainly helpful to have a secured peripheral,” Lovci told the Eagle. “That has been extremely helpful to all our clients, especially in situations where there is a strict guest list.

“Most of the guests for larger events and for the [debate] can arrive by boat,” Lovci said. “All guests are encouraged to use boats. We work exclusively with New York Water Taxi. They have front-loading vessels where [passengers] are able to get in and out of port quite quickly and easily. So it’s an easy transfer.”

According to Lovci, a trip from 34th Street to the Greenhouse port takes 10 minutes.  

In addition to a secured peripheral and water access, the Navy Yard has its own security gate to enter the grounds.

Assistant Coordinator of Duggal Global Events Group Kimberly Leonard told the Eagle on Monday that there will be 1,100 audience seats for the debate. 

In addition to CNN, the debate will be co-hosted by NY1. The Daily News will also participate in the event.

The showdown will be moderated by CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer and questions will be formulated and posed by CNN chief political correspondent Dana Bash and NY1 political anchor Errol Louis. 

The borough’s broil between the two presidential hopefuls will take place five days before the April 19 New York primary. 

Both CNN and NY1 will air the debate live on Thursday from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST.

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